Run your Van Life Air Conditioner 24/7 on Solar Power

Today I'll be showing everyone how I run my Van Life Air conditioner 24/7 with only solar power and a medium-sized battery bank. It's totally possible if you have a large roof space and a high efficient air conditioner like a ductless mini split.
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[@BobWillisOutdoors]

Looking forward to the follow up video when you test at afternoon temperature of 110 degrees, with night temperature of 95 degrees.

[@sheribrummett1960]

Good luck . I'm born and raised here in Brawley 60miles from yuma average day Temps in summer 120 plus nights 100 on a good night

[@TheDogsBox]

After I completed my AC build (summer 23) I tested in 105-107 daytime temps and night time temps in the 90's. I ran the AC full tilt, and after about 3 days the heat won and I would need to plug my very large 15kw/h battery bank in to recharge. But if I was actually traveling in it at the time, there would be portions of the day where I would be driving and thus using the diesel to power the AC and allowing the batteries to catch up. I am looking forward to see how well it does this summer with the improvements in insulation I have made, but I will still be bringing along a generator to top those batteries up if the heat starts to win.

[@sheribrummett1960]

@@TheDogsBox the only way an AC can survive in Yuma or the Imperial Valley is if you're parked under a really good shade tree like a Mesquite but if you're sitting right out in the parking lot or out in the middle of the desert they still won't be able to keep up

[@nomadbrad503]

I was in texas last summer. 100 degrees with high humidity. worked just as good.

[@nomadbrad503]

always nice to have generator backup!

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

slow cookers and air fryers are some of the best things invented

[@nomadbrad503]

I agree with you!

[@DiscoFang]

Funny the notion of slow cookers when his says Instant Pot. I'm thinking that's a pressure cooker.

[@nomadbrad503]

@@DiscoFang it’s not a slow cooker. It’s a fast cooker that uses pressure. Thats why they call it instant pot

[@octaviarose9342]

@@nomadbrad503 I use the slow cooker function on mine pretty regularly, usually to make broth. We're getting ready to build a box truck, and starting to use a Kill-A-Watt to measure our power consumption on various appliances and gadgets. I'm interested to hook up the Instant Pot and test its various functions. Thank you for our videos, they're quite helpful and inspiring to those of us who want to do what you're doing!

[@thechosenone2587]

I love the look of this van. It looks so well made and solid. Plus 4 the AC. Perfect house on wheels. Self sustainable. Perfect.

[@nomadbrad503]

thank you so much! I love living here

[@sjackson99]

That pot roast really looked good. I've been eating pressure-cooked meals since the early 60's. 2 suggestions to try. First, give that roast a quick sear on all sides for some great flavor. Second, buy a big onion. Cut it into thick slices and lay them right on top of the roast. Pressure-cooked onions are so sweet. Bonus suggestion: add some potatoes cut up into large pieces along with some sliced carrots. When it's all done, use some of the juice to make some gravy. Now I have to run to the grocery store.

[@nomadbrad503]

I appreciate that tip!

[@charliepepin7686]

Thats the setup i will need so i can run ac all day. Especially here in florida. Nice system.

[@nomadbrad503]

Yes! this will work great for you in florida. the humidity is probably similar to texas, you will be comfortable. BTW thanks for becoming a member, I appreciate that

[@jaystewart9947]

“This is Nomad Brad coming to you from my ONION truck!” 😂 Mini splits are a great way to go. I installed a DIY version in my daughter’s mobile home and she loves it. Very energy efficient and quiet

[@nomadbrad503]

lol the onions were so bad jay!! im happy to hear that you installed a good one for your daughter 😎

[@elaineg4921]

Blessings always in all you do

[@nomadbrad503]

I appreciate you

[@ozmanfidaar6311]

"Normad Brad like to be comfortable"---had me cracking up. Good work, brother.

[@nomadbrad503]

haha its the truth 😂

[@ECONOTANKCommander]

Mounted window ac in my van only draws 535 watts Sir. Split ac was out of my range and my van especially ceiling is very well insulated for a van. Good job on your setup. The install is very clean looking,

[@nomadbrad503]

im glad that window unit is working for you!

[@7topseven7]

How much Ah do you have? I have 200 and I struggle to keep full battery with no AC🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ECONOTANKCommander]

760aH 600w solar

[@journeywithnichole986]

You’re amazing! Such beautiful work! High quality across the board!!

[@nomadbrad503]

Hey Nichole! thanks for bringing the positivity, I appreciate you 😊

[@johnnycaretaker]

awesome setup the solar to run the a/c is fantastic

[@nomadbrad503]

It really is!

[@krehlcook406]

You have it dialed in! Just awesome!

[@nomadbrad503]

thank you 😎

[@TheDogsBox]

@15:12 This is one of the reasons I chose an ambulance. I have 1560 watts of solar on my roof, but I went with a 48v system and an 8000 btu window unit.

[@nomadbrad503]

right on, thats a robust electrical system!

[@jamesarnett4129]

I would exstend my rear umper out past the a/c and run a guard up in front of it. Better safe than sorry. Love your channel.

[@nomadbrad503]

that could be done!

[@KirraZirra]

Great video Brad. Solar and electrical work even with research just feels so daunting. I am sure that after rolling up my sleeves I will get it, but man mistakes are costly in this area of building out your rig.

[@nomadbrad503]

Yeah, it took me a while to understand it all. The work itself is simple but learning it is challenging

[@jamestreanor182]

Inverter type so smart, waiting for this in rooftop RV units

[@nomadbrad503]

yes! they must be working on a rooftop version for RV's the existing RV AC technology is shameful at this point

[@pepep.5901]

Thank you for sharing! It was a great reference.

[@nomadbrad503]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AskIveSolar]

Fantastic video from someone with only 22k subs. Most channels that know how to keep a video moving and on point have crossed the 100k mark. This is the one time I was wrong about the sub count.

[@nomadbrad503]

Much appreciated!

[@monching2282]

Awesome video! This is the way to go Brad! Van Life ... a lifestyle to save Mother Earth 👍

[@nomadbrad503]

You got that right!

[@e-man2081]

That's some fine equipment you've got.

[@nomadbrad503]

I agree!

[@LaniMightyboyLairkin]

This is Awesome

[@nomadbrad503]

I appreciate that!

[@fiqriafauzan]

realy love your content mr Brad

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank You! I appreciate that 😊

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

1:54 you described a remarkable tool. An air conditioner that runs on the sun is incredible for me to be a dream come true

[@nomadbrad503]

It’s the best!

[@deejay4837]

Sweet set-up. Big plus is knowing the know-hows!

[@nomadbrad503]

thank you! I agree, knowledge helps make this lifestyle more enjoyable

[@JoeyBlogs007]

Makes sense to use solar for A/C as usually the sun is usually shining the brightest when it's hot.

[@nomadbrad503]

my thoughts exactly!

[@mrhypnomadic1104]

Thanks for the detailed video!

[@nomadbrad503]

thanks for watching!

[@darkexpose5153]

Smart, good and useful video. Good job man 👍🏻.

[@nomadbrad503]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wally1957]

I love watching the ingenuity. I know it's fun to use solar because I also run AC's off of my RV solar. I also installed Mini split air conditioner in my RV but it is a house window mini split made by Midea, 500W and I also installed Frigidaire 450W AC in the bedroom cabinet, installed both on drawer slide platforms and also installed outside compartment doors to slide AC's halfway in and out. I threw the power hungry Dometic roof top AC's over board and into the trash literally. I run both AC's off of my RV roof top solar, currently only 4 panels and 600 watts actual output and 4 LifePo batteries. Every RV owner needs to ban standard roof top AC's simply because the technology exists for these corporations to use low power economical Air Conditioners but they refuse to change their ways because it's not as profitable. A standard RV roof top AC requires the use of a Soft Start device to jump start the AC when using solar and that is $300.00 or more for the Soft Start. I paid about that price for each of my AC units. I could not be happier.

[@nomadbrad503]

sounds like you have a wonderful setup 😎

[@thepfeiffer5106]

Awesome, did same, I have 1700w solar and 38kwh battery for south Florida, using ambulance as RV

[@nomadbrad503]

nice! sounds like a perfect setup for florida

[@Ulbre]

Looks like your van build is really efficient just on it's own....99 deg outside and 84 inside before AC turned on. The insta pot looks great. That's how I love to cook, do a heap at once and enjoy over several meals......makes it cheaper per meal and also way easier per meal :)

[@nomadbrad503]

thank you! the insulation does a pretty good job. I love making large meals all at once

[@murdiesel]

Great video. Thank you.

[@nomadbrad503]

thanks for watching!

[@murdiesel]

@@nomadbrad503 This works perfect because I am going to be building an 18-20 ft bug out trailer and using a split like this.

[@nomadbrad503]

@@murdiesel nice! make sure to get the DIY version. the refrigerant lines connect with regular tools. no need for welding or extra equipment like vacuum pumps. I have this AC on my amazon list: www.amazon.com/shop/nomadbrad?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfnomadbrad_6WDQH6W3154AMM49P0ZK_1

[@oceanlover3530]

Nomad Brad made me hungry. That looked tasty! Enjoyed watching. Thanks for posting! ✌🏻👍🏻✌🏻

[@nomadbrad503]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrMonkeyMana]

Thank you for Sharing

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks for watching!

[@toolhead147]

I have a Mirage Magnum 12k BTU, and I can say that this technology is super efficient! ❄️ My A/C stays at a cool 200 watts.

[@nomadbrad503]

Nice! You’re doing it right 💪🏻

[@sharonb.9128]

Great video. You are clearly very talented and smart enough to turn your talent towards creating a business. Your home is beautiful and spacious! The only thing I do not get about some nomads are their indifference to having a bathroom. A small shower and one of those new toilets that separate and bag the waste would be a must. I have a weak stomach just thinking about how disgusting handling my waste all the time would be but I get even sicker imagining having to use some of the facilities I’ve seen in public.

[@nomadbrad503]

thank you for the compliments 😊 been living in a van for 6 years now without a proper bathroom. most my nomad friends are the same. I know it's hard to comprehend. it's just one of those things you cant understand until you try it.. Vanlife isnt for everyone

[@WerkToday]

Nice production value.. the background music was spot on..enjoyed it. Your Power explanation was very well done.. Hi quality KZbin video explaining The mini split.. I see a nice niche for someone to become a mini split installation specialist..thank you for taking the time ..I hope you get millions of views.. #NomadBrad

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank you so much for the kind words 🙂

[@srm6366]

That’s awesome man!!!

[@nomadbrad503]

I appreciate you 💪🏼

[@dammitbobby283]

Buy a dehumidifier it will make the interior space WAY more comfortable even without the AC running. Walmart has one (EDV1100 ) that uses 22 watts and covers 1,100 sq ft. Trust me, a dehumidifier makes a big difference in comfort. I only recommended Walmart because it's easy to return If needed. It would be better If you could find a dehumidifier that drains outside or the kitchen sink drain that way it's basically maintenance-free.

[@nomadbrad503]

Not a bad idea 😎

[@SomePplSayImABeast]

If you check the weather station at 4:27 , he’s at 19% humidity already which is already very low

[@dammitbobby283]

@@SomePplSayImABeast So a dehumidifier can increase his comfort by 19%.

[@nomadbrad503]

@@dammitbobby283 humidity is very low. It’s comfortable in Arizona. A dehumidifier would probably dry out my skin too much. That’s a real issue in the desert

[@dammitbobby283]

@@nomadbrad503 Let me speak with your husband.

[@applesbighatranch6906]

The trick, here, it would seem, is that in addition! to the neat Klimatic/Klimaire/Kwhatever it is ductless mini split and it's microprocessor-controlled operation (isn't everything? these days, though?) is that device (resembling an inverter in operation) you have intercepting the PV current before it gets to any battery bank solar charger... regardless of the details, that one can run air conditioning from 1200 watts solar and 400Ah battery is impressive. Carry on! Brad. Thanks for your vid!

[@nomadbrad503]

EG4 sells a minisplit that can be ran directly off DC solar

[@feelthafunk4548]

Great set-up mate 👍

[@nomadbrad503]

thanks! i appreciate that

[@kpadalldotablet1009]

Wait! A cooking channel too! Bro! Parked in Home Depot with an RV that looks like a utility vehicle that says "Solar Service": Invisible.

[@nomadbrad503]

invisible was my goal 😎

[@lyledeevore1389]

Great set up. Hope you get to a cooler place by mid June through September.

[@nomadbrad503]

oh absolutely

[@lyledeevore1389]

@@nomadbrad503 northern AZ. Flagstaff. I wish I'd bought a cabin in Flag in 2009. I was looking at one for $46grand. Missed opportunity!!!!

[@sleepdepot9790]

Thanks for sharing your experience with a mini-split in the truck. I have a similar setup but with a Midea U mini-split type window AC. I am also in Alabama. One big difference between Arizona vs Alabama is Humidity. Humidity and heat will make that AC work a lot harder and for much longer. I found out last year when we had the hottest summer in a long time that the Solar panels (4x315W) couldn't maintain battery at full and also run the AC at the same time. IN fact over night I would see those batteries going down to ZERO (same capacity as your setup). The plan is to get 4x500W solar panels up there and probably get a mini-split with a higher efficiency than the current Midea U at 16 SEER.

[@sleepdepot9790]

In regards to the cooking, next time try bone broth instead of water and also add some mushrooms. Good stuff!

[@nomadbrad503]

yes I was in texas last summer in high humidity, the difference is that the mini split has a much larger outdoor coil which makes it more effecient at removing heat from the living space.

[@lvpuppets]

Why not a powerful generator to run a Split AC, top off batteries during the day, run off batteries at night and stick it all in a box on a trailer hitch rack?

[@sleepdepot9790]

@@lvpuppets loud and consumes gas. That said I carry a small generator that could do both in emergency situations. I would much rather just rely on solar as much as possible. Not noise or mess.

[@nomadbrad503]

@@lvpuppets why pay for gas to run a generator when the sun provides free energy…also generators are very loud and often you can feel the vibration inside your van. I know because I tried one on my last box truck

[@davidfromtexas9681]

You should get you something like a Laveo dry-flush for emergencies and night usage. We have one in our camper and yeah, its a little expensive, but it is really awesome and hold odors down very good!

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks for the tip!

[@jesusguzman5435]

Great setup very good content

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks, I appreciate you

[@Leokobe2017.]

Really cool. I would hire you to build out my whole van out

[@nomadbrad503]

I get that a lot 😅

[@gringogg1780]

Nomad Brad Getten it done!!! Nice COOL Video!

[@nomadbrad503]

thanks! I appreciate you

[@user-lx3mk4bl4v]

Great video, solar real estate is why I want to use a box truck as a conversion so I can run a A/C on solar. Thanks

[@nomadbrad503]

Absolutely! It’s the best platform for collecting solar

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

chuck has the most flavour out of most if not all cuts , I used to be a butcher in Australia. ...... retired now

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks for the tip!

[@midnightaustin9287]

that's game changer, i can;t imagine myself living in a van without constant AC cuz in my country there is no cold weather or winter it's constant hot

[@nomadbrad503]

Yes! The ac is a must for a lot of folks. It’s so comfortable inside 😎

[@stacyhackney6100]

Thank you

[@nomadbrad503]

You're welcome!

[@TonyBussert]

You should sear the roast first and use beef broth. Add a bay leaf as well

[@nomadbrad503]

You're right about that.

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Hey Tony, You sound like a professional chef.

[@TonyBussert]

@@lawrencedavidson6195 I was for a few years.

[@TonyBussert]

@@nomadbrad503 Love your build! Super smart in terms of how you did the electrical (I happen to work for a wireless power company on the tech side for customers). I also love how much space you have to cook. That's better than my 1930's house!

[@thefriendlypsychopath3894]

I thought the same thing when I saw it.

[@brianpino7274]

How much battery bank/solar you think for a 220 volt system? Looking at the 24k btu mini splits here in Florida. Thoughts or you think the 12k btu is good enough

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Great job with your setup 👍💪🌞💡⚡️ I seem to recall you had a good video on your whole setup. Did you do a video on cost breakdown? Similar on how you bought/ the great deal you got on your panelsm😊🧠💰🤔

[@nomadbrad503]

unfortunately I did not keep good records of the build price. I was building in a rush and blowing money at home deopt like the world was ending 😂

[@iMageMotif]

80 to 85 degrees is perfect for me. I want to set up a little cooler in my SUV

[@nomadbrad503]

perfect, you should go for it

[@larioskot9138]

Thank you so much….

[@nomadbrad503]

thanks for watching!

[@donnanhuggler8451]

Great stuff! Sear that beef also

[@nomadbrad503]

I agree! It needed a good sear!

[@KPHVAC]

Ductless systems are amazing! I highly recommend Mitsubishi or Daikin. Everything else is random chinese made equipment and it can be impossible to find parts for repairs.

[@nomadbrad503]

I installed a lot of daikin as a tech

[@HopperTheExplorer]

nice

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks

[@LumenateTV]

they even make ceiling mounted mini-splits now too.

[@nomadbrad503]

they do but that limits you roof space for solar panels which is why i dont have a roof top unit

[@VanIife]

Have you ever done a video about the potential challenges of a box truck rig vs van/rv when it comes to registration, etc?

[@abbylynn8872]

Oh... I want to know as well.💕

[@nomadbrad503]

good question ill cover that in my next live on wednesday

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Very nice video. Greetings from Jamaica.

[@nomadbrad503]

thank you! are folks living in vans in jamaica?

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

@@nomadbrad503 No, but i'm hoping to do a box truck conversion and start a trend here as a low income housing solution on the island.

[@nomadbrad503]

@@lawrencedavidson6195 I would love to see that happen!

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

@@nomadbrad503 Thanks, videos like yours inspire and encourage me.

[@Juzzzqo]

Nice

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks

[@roberthanna4882]

When you come back to Texas I will be knocking on your door for a bowl of that Roast. 😃 It looks so good.

[@nomadbrad503]

im happy to share the roast 😎

[@VrtualMe]

Yum! FYI - Cracker Barrel allows for overnight parking & there's one just on the other side of 16th. There's also a planet fitness behind the Palms mall. Both less than a mile from HD.

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Snailmailtrucker]

*F Planet Fitness !* *FJB !*

[@CaveMan_Ray]

Definitely would’ve seasoned and seared the roast first, but it still looks good👍

[@nomadbrad503]

I agree

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Instant pot I use for big meals.

[@nomadbrad503]

Yes! I do use one from time to time

[@trust.no_1]

Suggest you put paper strips on the blower part of aircon so your viewers clearly see the aircon is running 🥶

[@nomadbrad503]

good advice!

[@ronaldduck7567]

It's all about usable roof space versus overall box size plus the shapes and sizes of todays panels.. If you have a larger truck then yes you can get more solar on top but then you need more battery and a bigger a/c unit to cool the larger space. This is almost the sweet spot. The only other vehicle that falls within range is a 10ft baby box. With a 78 or 79 inch roof width,you can put 3 full size 450w panels with about 6 inch overhang at the rear which is no big deal since the bumpers hang out a foot. With 60 sqr ft and 7000 btu ac yur looking at 74 degree 24/7 using the same battery to 75% or a smaller battery to 35-40%

[@nomadbrad503]

absolutely! usable space is key. thats why i prefer the flat rectangle roof of a box truck

[@mohdaminbinahad-38]

Nice video men that's comes up a question, in daylight while using that Solar to power up the air conditioner can it also capable to full charge the battery?

[@nomadbrad503]

yes, it fully charges the battery during the day while running the AC

[@bradenabbott2707]

When you showed 192 watts that was a positive number, which means your solar charger kicked on and after the A/C load it was adding 192 watts to the battery. The (negative) -807 watts was how much it was using before the solar charger started charging. So your A/C was still using 800 watts, and your solar was probably creating 1000, which gives you the 192. Your A/C was not using 192, it was leaving 192 left on the table for battery charging.

[@nomadbrad503]

good catch!

[@donaldfrazier5244]

Eating good in the neighborhood! Brad I like the ac system what is the rated square footage for the unit?

[@nomadbrad503]

You cant really go by square footage like with a house AC because there is so much less insulation in a vehicle versus a house. and if you have a lot of windows like in a short bus, its even worse

[@ohiowoodburner]

Did you consider installing the outside unit up higher on the box? Do you worry of someone stealing and removing it from your box?

[@nomadbrad503]

not worried about it

[@sasmit82]

Buy a cover for the outdoor unit and cover it whenever you’re not running it or travelling. Dust in the outdoor condenser coils drastically shortens their life and efficiency.

[@nomadbrad503]

good idea

[@gilbertmartinez6538]

Come to dallas mid summer and do the test ...it is often 90 and even 95 degrees at 10 or even 11 at night and in the morn if you hit a 6am low of 79 that is a good start ...but often it is in the low 80s.

[@nomadbrad503]

I lived in Austin last summer with this setup, it worked great

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

would be a good idea to make an escape hatch , say under one of the solar panels just in case someone some how locks you in ( I see you have a handle next to the door on the left ) someone could tie a rope or ratchet o n it and reach it over to connect to something .... just a thought , one must think of everything

[@nomadbrad503]

lol tie a rope? Why on earth would someone go to that effort to lock me inside the van 😂 the windows are emergency exit windows so I can easily crawl out one of them

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

@@nomadbrad503 , just trying to make you safe in this crazy world CATARMARAN is the way to go , expensive so you will have to save hard

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

@@nomadbrad503 ha , ha , ha

[@nomadbrad503]

@@geofferyrobertson6608 😂

[@quartamile]

Thank you, great vid! Did you have the same battery and AC when you were in Texas last summer?

[@nomadbrad503]

yes! the same AC and batteries carried me through the texas summer heat

[@ManuelMartinez-yx1yh]

Yeah, Brad.Is manning ready to go sober on my r v a little stealth camping

[@nomadbrad503]

thanks for stopping by!

[@deantebritton]

Yep, just gotta have a 60-70,000 box truck just to get started.

[@nomadbrad503]

No way you need to spend that much! I built this box truck myself for about $24,000 including the cost of the van. You can find some for sale in the $30-$40k range if you don’t want to DIY

[@jamesfrederick99]

6:30 AM, got up early. LOL! I wish I could sleep in that late. 4:00 AM every day wake up. Showered and leaving for work by 4:15-4:30 AM. 12 hour work days.

[@nomadbrad503]

wow, you're up early. im just not cut out for that

[@serenityjewel]

That sucks

[@anthonyglaser929]

Have you posted a video describing your whole solar setup? I'd like to see that .

[@nomadbrad503]

in this video i showed my power inverter/ solar charger, my battery bank, and I mentioned that I have 1200 watts of solar on the roof. What else would you like to know? what wold you want to see in another video that you did not see here? Genuinely curious

[@anthonyglaser929]

@@nomadbrad503 what model SunPower gold are you using? Did you wire the solar panels in series or parallel or series/parallel? Which panels did you go with? And of course how much did the whole solar setup cost?

[@nomadbrad503]

@@anthonyglaser929 ok, thanks for clarifying. I will make a follow up video with full details. Look for that next Sunday may 4th

[@selcukkucuk]

I like the setup of the van, I'd prefer to have a shower and a normal toilet though.

[@nomadbrad503]

thanks! you can definitely put a bathroom in yours

[@BTNomad]

I'm really giving this some thought. I have a roll-up door on my truck that I don't plan on changing, but I'm trying to determine how best to do this. I only have 800W solar, for now. I do have 2 206ah SOK lithium batteries. 🤔🤔🤔

[@nomadbrad503]

Right on, thats a pretty good electrical setup. you could mount the ac just like mine. it would'nt block much of the roll up door.

[@BTNomad]

@nomadbrad503 , I'd have to mount it on the step bumper. I have a deck that folds down (and an awning I prop up). I need to check it the sizes of the units. So, the lines you run into the truck, what are those? Running the electric will be easy, I already have installed a 20A plug on the underside of the truck by the roll-up door.

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

Looks like a very good AC unit. But let's be fair, 78 degrees isn't 'nice and cool'. 200 Watt for 24 hours is almost 5 kWh of energy. You need a perfect sunny day to harvest that from 1200 Watt solar panels. But I will say, this setup is probably the best I have seen so far.

[@nomadbrad503]

thanks for watching 😎

[@goodoz9942]

Your system was "charging" at 192W (@ 4:35). That didn't show AC "load." Your panels were covering whatever the AC load was and dumping another 192W into your battery bank.

[@nomadbrad503]

good catch!

[@TheEyesolo]

I'll be building a box truck soon. Do you know if the outdoor exhaust box can be mounted in different orientations? I would need to mount it under the box truck. Please let me know! Thank you for this video.

[@nomadbrad503]

I have seen them mounted under a school bus. just have to make sure you have the ground clearance

[@TheEyesolo]

@@nomadbrad503 Awesome! Next month I'm purchasing the same truck as yours, just the 17' "EL" model. I was looking at the Ecoflow Wave 2 as an option, but I've seen mixed reviews.

[@nicnac9036]

Just wondering your reasoning for mounting the condenser unit so low on the rear door. Would it be better to mount it high and out of the way of vandals or getting rear ended from behind?

[@nomadbrad503]

in 6 years of living in a van I have never been rear ended and never targeted by vandals. would have been difficult to mount it higher

[@CharlesAnsman]

Try this in Florida where the RH% hovers around 80

[@nomadbrad503]

did it last summer in texas humidity...but thats why my home has wheels, I wont stick around in weather like that

[@craigasher5970]

Nice video. Yuma’s great. I always pass through to and from Baja. I hope you checked out Cafecito. Might be my favorite coffee shop.

[@nomadbrad503]

Yuma is a great winter spot!

[@dystopianbandero5537]

Hows it going brad, i enjoy your channel, where did u get and what kind of solar panels r u using?

[@nomadbrad503]

thank you! i have a whole video on the panels kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn7VqGaNhayqh5Isi=7KNGww-HA3hwPCxu

[@followyourbliss101]

massive power is great if you can afford it... and have a rig with the space for it

[@nomadbrad503]

yes, you need a lot of space and a bit of cash to run air conditioning in a vehicle.

[@wally1957]

It's not very expensive anymore. Less than a dollar per watt for panels and everything else is cheap compared to years ago. I could put 12 solar panels on my RV roof with a rating of 2400 watts and that is nuts! But I already have 4 and will add more if I move off grid.

[@nomadbrad503]

@@wally1957 yes, prices have come down a lot

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

4:29 I'm hoping you use the air conditioner very hard during the day and very like during the night. I sometimes stay cool with a spray mist bottle and fans.

[@nomadbrad503]

Exactly! Run it hard during the day, it can run less at night

[@jjtrades7186]

I think I would build a small utility room to keep the unit inside and just cut out a exhaust grill on the back wall for it to draw air in/out. Out of sight out of mind

[@nomadbrad503]

you can definitely do that in your build!

[@SadashivaPrabhu]

I'd park it right under the street lights to get some more power into the batteries ;-)

[@nomadbrad503]

Not a bad idea!

[@will35010]

Wouldn’t a dc mini split be more efficient since you wouldn’t lose during the ac conversion?

[@nomadbrad503]

dc mini split would be more effecient in the sense that there is no power loss in the conversion to AC. However most DC mini splits top out around 8,000 BTU's. I prefer to have a larger system when I need it and my solar has no problem keeping up with it. DC Split would be great for a smaller space like a sprinter

[@J-GMORE]

When I need a upgrade I ll be searching for you for the job

[@nomadbrad503]

I appreciate that!

[@brianleonard6885]

Bravo

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank you!

[@hopehope938]

I have a question I have been interested in a 24 volt system for a long time and I have a question about two inverters on the same system like for nighttime’s and when I need low and limited power I have a low power draw 1,200 inverter that has a eco draw that can automatically turn it self off and on a Victron Phnoxies.. And for bright sunny day an inverter charger that has pass through of 120 volts, currently I do not think I need a 240 volt pass through system! But it could be nice to have the option! Can a system be designed to add on components over time and pay as you go and not charge credit cards? I did not know if you had a backup generator? Here are things I am interested in; * Shore power * on the side of the vehicle a disconnect-able plug to add on extra solar panels? *alternator charging *the ability to have a system where my batteries can be charged by shore power? * no one has talked about cost of solar charging solar batteries by solar or generator which is faster or cheaper? On the side of the vehicle place to plug in for 120 out lets. For a long time I wanted a box truck but one thing is holding me back is the gasoline mileage of a box truck compared to a van. I know a van has limited roof space for solar panels. I know for your current air conditioner you need 1,200 of solar panels. But if a van only used solar a for a few hours a day could a person manage with a smaller number of solar panels? Or would person need a backup generator? or both? No one has talked about using both 24 volo solar panels or 24 volt solar batteries? I want to start out with one 24 volt 100 ah solar battery and if I am understand correctly I might need a system that is 24volts with 400 ah hours of 24 volt batteries but I do not know if the roof space of a van will have the roof space needed for the necessary solar panels needed to power this system? I am a student and I might need to power equipment for research for Earth science study? I know my energy consumption is low but I do not know how that translates in to living in a vehicle 24/7 I only want a microwave, crockpot/instant pot/refrigerator as appliances and to charge cell phones,iPad? Kerosene heater. A low watt incubator? May be a laptop?

[@nomadbrad503]

wow, you have put a lot of thought into your build. im sure you will make the right choice

[@jah-jah87]

How would it compare to ecoflow wave 2 ac unit in terms of power consumption?

[@nomadbrad503]

the wave2 is 500 watts versus my ac can range from 800 down to 200. the biggest problem with wave 2 is that its only 5000 BTU, less than half the capacity of my 12,000 unit. wave 2 might work for a small van. definitely not enough cooling for something larger

[@jah-jah87]

@@nomadbrad503 thanks

[@francisgonzales7590]

That's amazing! Sir allow me to ask the total expenses of your solar set up(all parts). Thanks a lot from Philippines!🇵🇭❤️

[@nomadbrad503]

ill be giving all the details in this sundays video!